The key sentiment index, which blends both current conditions and
consumer expectations, advanced
to 65.9 in July from a revised 62.7 a month earlier.

Economists had largely expected a decline of 50 basis points to
61.5.

"Despite this month's improvement in confidence, the
overall Index remains at historically low levels," Says
Lynn Franco, a director at The Conference Board,
said. "Consumers' attitude regarding current
conditions was little changed in July, but their short-term
expectations, which had declined last month, bounced
back."